Lin-Manuel Miranda will go ‘Under the Sea,’ team up for live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 11: Lin-Manuel Miranda speaks onstage during the 2017 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 11, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

By
Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

He’s already made his name on Broadway, and it seems that Lin-Manuel Miranda is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the Disney front too, Entertainment Weekly reported.

Miranda is going nonstop, no telling how far he’ll go, already co-starring in the sequel of “Mary Poppins.” He took his shot and wrote the ear-worm soundtrack that breathed live into “Moana.”

Now, the “Hamilton” writer will be working on new songs for the score of the upcoming live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.”

Miranda, who calls himself a lifelong Disney fan, will compose with Alan Menken. Miranda was first attached to the film a year ago, but no details were given when it was announced. Menken made the collaboration announcement at the recent D23 Expo, Entertainment Weekly reported.

He also performed a medley of the songs he wrote with his former creative partner Howard Ashman, who died in 1991.

Almost a year ago, Miranda took over the mouse house’s Instagram, putting his own take on many popular Disney classics. There may be a “Mermaid” song in there, and you’re welcome.

Related

There’s been a change at the helm for the upcoming stand-alone Han Solo feature film.

Earlier this week, the original directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, left the production. Lord and Miller are best known for “The Lego Movie” and “21 Jump Street,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago. With that in mind, we’re thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July.

One of Howard’s early roles was in George Lucas’ “American Graffiti.” He also directed for Lucasfilms before working on “Willow,” as well as, “Apollo 13” and Best Picture-and Best Director-winner “A Beautiful Mind.”

UPDATE: Disney announced the cast for its upcoming live-action remake of “Aladdin” Saturday on Twitter.

Read the original report below.

Guy Ritchie started trying to find his Aladdin in a global casting call in March. So far 2,000 actors and actresses have read for the hero and his love interest Jasmine, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

One star has apparently already signed on for the role of Genie, originally made famous by Robin Williams. Will Smith was in talks on to play the magic man, Deadline reported in April. Ritchie did not confirm or deny the rumor when he was asked in May about Smith’s alleged role, E! News reported. Those in the know at the studio said they’re looking for someone known to play Jafar, the villain, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

As for Jasmine, studio sources say two actresses are in the running: Naomi Scott from the recent “Power Rangers” movie and Tara Sutaria. But the final decision won’t happen until the studio gets its Aladdin, according to The Hollywood Reporter..

Disney is eyeing more live-action remakes of its hit movies. This year, “Mary Poppins: Returns” is scheduled to hit the big screen this December. It is being touted as a sequel to the original film. They’re also working on live-action versions of “Mulan,” “The Lion King” and “Dumbo”